Winter Camping essentials
In general, dress in multiple thin layers of synthetic clothing. No cotton!
Examples: polyester, acrylic, or polypropylene. Wool is the only natural fiber recommended.
Bring clothing to allow for two different activity levels, one active and one for stationary around camp.
Layer your clothing in three different types:
1 The first layer against the skin should be long underwear that will be the wicking layer to transport the moisture from your perspiration from your skin.
2 The second layer should be the layer that traps warm air and creates insulation from the cold. This layer contains lofty material that has dead air space such as fleece – "Polartec", synthetic down, or down. The higher the loft the warmer you will be.
3 The third layer should keep out moisture. This is to keep your insulating clothing dry but also allow your perspiration to escape.
Remember the four W’s, Wicking, Warmth, Windproof, and Waterproof.
Start with the headgear and work down to the feet.
Head
Stocking hat or better yet balaclava (fleece or wool), 40-50% of the total body heat loss occurs from the head and neck
SPF rated lip balm
Torso
Wicking T-shirt and/or long undershirt
Thermal underwear shirt, at least 2.
Wind shirt – long sleeve with or without fleece (options: turtleneck, workout suit, sweatshirt)
Jacket for warmth – fleece "Polartec", synthetic down, or down
Hooded rain parka or coat"
Hands
Liner gloves
Mittens are warmer than fingered gloves, water-resistant, at least 2 pairs
Shell mittens - waterproof
Legs
Thermal long underwear pants, 2 pairs.
Wind pants
Fleece, synthetic down, or down pants/bib for around camp
Thin ski pants/bib, weatherproof but breathable
Feet
Liner wicking socks
Thick wool or synthetic sock
Waterproof boots – Gore-tex boots with insulation is best, insulated snow boots, sealed leather hiking boots